The Porsche Carrera GT was among the group of Supercars produced by Porsche from 2004 through 2007 at a new factory in Leipzig, Germany. The Carrera GT was Porsche’s response to market segment competition in the form of Ferrari Enzo, Pagani Zonda, Koenigsegg CCX, Mercedes-Benz McLaren AMG SLR and other Supercars of the time and was a radical departure for the company so associated with normally aspirated and turbo charged six-cylinder engines in their 911 line ups.

Porsche elected to go a whole new route with the Carrera GT creating a development of the 911 GT1 and LMP1 98 cars of the late 90s by introducing a normally aspirated 5.7 liter dual overhead cam V10 610BPH engine which was originally slated to be a Formula One engine in a Footwork chassis integrated with a radically different 107” long wheel base car.

Very little is shared from the 911 range with the Carrera GT however as it was a completely clean sheet of paper designed by Porsche Style Department head, Harm Lagaay, the Dutchman who also designed other Porsches of the period including the 924, 968, 993, Boxster, Cayenne and 996. Lagaay retired on completion of the Carrera GT, which by far stands as his most impressive achievement in 2004.

Compared to the 911 models, the Carrera GT is a long car with full aerodynamic treatment around a full carbon fiber monocoque with the subframe produced by Italian company ATR Composites Group. All Carrera GTs feature a traditional six-speed manual transmission with homage to the Porsche 917 polished beachwood shift knob.

At speeds over 70MPG, the dramatic rear wing raises to aide stability at the rear and reduce lift. A huge radiator, five times larger than a comparable 911 Turbo of the time, aides in keeping the big engine cool and suspension is directly from racing.

Porsche limited colors of the Carrera GT to Basalt Black, GT Silver, Seal Grey, Fayence Yellow and Guards Red with customer colors made by the factory tailor made to customers tastes.

The racing prototype nature of the Carrera GT makes it necessary to have an experienced hand at the wheel. The clutch is derived directly from racing and is razor thin mated with the 558BHP engine which may catch an inexperienced high performance driver out causing loss of control and spinouts and it accelerates like a rocket, 0 to 60MPH in 3.5 seconds.

The Carrera GT is all business inside the cockpit, not much on the creature comforts with full race inspired leather seats, the instrument cluster is very reminiscent of previous Porsches and aside from air conditioning, there isn’t much in the way of luxury appointments as with most supercars, the emphasis is on performance and safety rather than comfort.

The cars are solidly built and full of weight saving carbon fiber touches throughout. The racing inspired touches such as the gas, brake and clutch petals and key on the left of the steering wheel are derived directly from Porsche’s racing past. The one diversion from this is the removable hard top which creates an instant open top driving experience. The roof panels conveniently stow away in the front bonnet.

This Carrera GT (#1043) is a one owner car that came to us from the northeast in GT Silver with black leather interior and only 1,200 miles on the odometer. The car is complete with all books, service records, tools and cover with service all up to date.

With only 1,270 units produced between 2003 and 2007 (with 644 delivered to the U.S.), the Carrera GT ticks all the boxes for collectible supercars and have been very strong performers in the market since their introduction.